Maxx Crosby will not join the Baltimore Ravens after all.
That news was made official Tuesday after the Las Vegas Raiders released a statement acknowledging the decision. The two teams previously agreed to a blockbuster trade that sent Las Vegas two first-round draft picks in exchange for the veteran star edge rusher.
Instead, the deal is off the table and it is unclear what comes next.
“The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of our trade agreement for Maxx Crosby,” The Raiders said in a statement Tuesday. “We will have no further comment at this time.”
Crosby was placed on injured reserve with two games left to play in the regular season. He then underwent surgery to repair a meniscus injury and has been recovering this offseason. The injury is reportedly at the center of the decision by the Ravens, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
The trade between Baltimore and Las Vegas sent shockwaves throughout the league. Tuesday’s news did the same with many fans and reporters left wondering what will happen next after a wave of movement this week.
Many teams have filled needs already at edge rusher through the first two days of free agency. It has left the Raiders with fewer options than they had just last week. The Ravens paid a hefty sum to land the seven-year NFL veteran on Friday.
That included trading away a first-round pick for the first time in the franchise’s 31-year history. Las Vegas received the No. 14 pick in the upcoming NFL draft in addition to a first-round selection in 2027 as well.
Both picks will now return to the Ravens
What It Means For The Raiders
It’s a return to square one for Las Vegas. The new league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, which is when the trade would have become official. At that time, free agents can officially sign deals that have been agreed upon following the negotiating window that began Monday.
Some potential suitors for Crosby have already filled needs at the position. Plus, there is the issue of the massive contract in play. Crosby is guaranteed to earn $30.7 million in 2026 with his 2027 salary of $29.7 million set to be fully guaranteed on March 13 per Spotrac.
The Raiders trading away Crosby saved significant cap space allowing Las Vegas to be big buyers Monday. The franchise has already agreed to deals with several high-profile — and costly — free agents. That was under the assumption the Crosby deal would go through.
The group was highlighted by former Ravens All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum. He signed a three-year deal that will bring him $60 million in guaranteed money and potentially $81 million total. Linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean both agreed to three-year deals with Las Vegas as well.
The Raiders seemingly found a replacement for Crosby already, too. The franchise agreed to a three-year, $48 million deal with former Colts defensive end Kwity Paye. The team has agreed to terms with eight players already ahead of the new league season.
Any Trade Partners Left For Maxx Crosby?
Dallas had been one of the teams most in play to land Maxx Crosby in a trade prior to Friday’s deal. Russini reported Tuesday that the Cowboys are not expected “re-engage” on trade discussions with the Raiders.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter previously reported the Cowboys were only willing to part ways with one first-round pick for Crosby.
The scenario leaves the five-time Pro Bowl selection in an awkward position moving into the rest of the offseason. Crosby was in Baltimore on Tuesday preparing for the move to become official Wednesday.
In a since-deleted social media post made Saturday, Crosby indicated his excitement for joining the Ravens.
“I’m going to give everything in my heart and soul to bring a championship to Baltimore,” he said in the video.
Crosby’s agent, CJ LaBoy, took to social media Tuesday evening to vouch for his client’s recovery and health.
It is not the first time the Ravens have backed out of a transaction because of medical concerns. One of the most significant took place in 2018 when Baltimore backed out of a deal with running back Ryan Grant. An ankle injury led to a failed physical that pushed the Ravens to rescind their four-year, $29 million offer.
Crosby has collected 69.5 sacks, 133 tackles and 431 QB pressures in his career. He was picked in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft and has played in 110 games through seven seasons.
